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Pets in rented properties

The Renters’ Rights Bill will change pet ownership for tenants in the private sector. For the first time, tenants will have the legal right to request a pet, and landlords will be required to consider such requests fairly and reasonably.

Key takeaways

What you need to know

  • Tenants have a legal right to request a pet.
  • Landlords must respond within 42 days and cannot unreasonably refuse.
  • Reasonable conditions and pet insurance can be required.
  • Tenancy agreements should be updated to reflect the new rules.
     
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What's changing?

Under the new legislation, landlords and letting agents will be prohibited from inviting or encouraging rent bids above the advertised price. This rule applies to all private rented properties and is enforceable by local authorities.

What this means

  • Your property must be advertised at a single, fixed rental price.
  • You cannot solicit higher offers from prospective tenants.
  • All applicants must be considered equally based on the advertised terms.
     

What’s changing?

Under the new legislation, tenants will be allowed to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. This marks a major departure from the current system, where landlords can impose blanket bans on pets.

The process for pet requests

  • Tenants must make a formal written request to keep a pet in the property.
  • Landlords must respond within 42 days.
  • A refusal must be based on reasonable grounds, such as property suitability or insurance restrictions.

What counts as reasonable refusal?

Landlords will still retain the right to refuse a pet but must provide a reasonable justification. cannot refuse simply because they prefer not to allow pets. The legislation will not explicitly cover all grounds for reasonable refusal due to the diversity of the private rental sector. A tenant may escalate a complaint to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman if they feel the refusal is unfair.

Reasonable refusal can include

  • The property is unsuitable for pets (e.g. a small flat with no outdoor space).
  • The pet poses a risk to other tenants or the property.
  • The building has restrictions (e.g. leasehold clauses or shared accommodation rules).
  • If the landlord has allergies which may prevent them from visiting the property.
     

Updating tenancy agreements

Landlords should review and update their tenancy agreements to reflect the new rules. Letting agents should also ensure their processes are aligned with the new legislation.

The Bill provides the following protections

  • Landlords can require tenants to take out pet insurance to cover potential damage.

  • Tenants must agree to reasonable conditions (e.g. cleaning requirements, limits on pet numbers).

  • A tenancy deposit can be used to pet-related damages, but landlords should not attempt to recover costs twice for the same damage

  • If insurance and deposit do not cover the cost of the damage, a landlord may be able to take a tenant to court to recoup the costs

Got a question about your rental property?

If you have any questions for our team about the Renters' Rights Bill and what it means for you as a landlord, please contact your nearest lettings branch or fill in your details below and we'll get back to you. 

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